Penn State's run defense has been abysmal in the Lions' four-game losing streak, and so has PSU's production in the passing game.

Mark Gronowski didn’t throw for a ton of yards, but he made Penn State pay on the ground. The Iowa quarterback rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns, single-handedly setting up the Hawkeyes’ final score with a 67-yard scamper down the sideline. Kamari Moulton also chipped in on the ground with 99 yards on 17 carries.

Iowa is 2-1 in Big Ten play, most recently bludgeoning Wisconsin, 37-0. The only loss Iowa's had in conference play was a 20-15 defeat to Indiana that is the closest game the Hoosiers have played all year. The Hawkeyes defense remains a stout group and they once again have found much of their success offensively leaning on the ground game.

The Penn State Nittany Lions play their first game after coach James Franklin was fired when they visit Iowa City to face the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday.

Hawkeyes spoil the first game for interim coach Terry Smith and the first start for quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer

Nick Saban sends clear message to Penn State about James Franklin firing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Nick Saban had a lot to say about James Franklin's firing by Penn State. The former Alabama Crimson Tide coach blasted the move and said it was "unfair."

After falling to Notre Dame, No. 21 USC fell out of the top 25, though it still 52 votes. Iowa earned 17 votes after its win against Penn State. Washington is still clinging onto three votes despite a 24-7 loss to Michigan. Northwestern won its fourth straight game and snuck in with one vote in this week's poll.